Open to opportunities

Ryan Henry

@ryanhenry

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Passionate drug hunter with extensive experience in oncology research.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters innovation and collaboration, with opportunities for career growth and impactful contributions to drug discovery.

I am a broadly trained and highly experienced drug hunter with over 12 years in large pharmaceutical companies, mid-sized biotech firms, and start-up environments. My formal training encompasses oncology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and in vivo pharmacology, complemented by a strong working knowledge of ADME/DMPK and structural biology. I have successfully led both large- and small-molecule discovery programs across diverse tumor indications, showcasing my ability to navigate complex scientific challenges and deliver impactful results.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated significant leadership and managerial experience, effectively guiding cross-disciplinary project teams and mentoring direct reports. My role as Associate Director at Aleksia Therapeutics involved leading the biology group for multiple kinase inhibitor programs, where I achieved key milestones, including the nomination of development candidates. I am particularly proud of my contributions to securing a $25M Series B funding round through effective communication and strategic presentations to investors.

My passion for drug discovery is matched by my commitment to innovation and collaboration. I have a proven track record of developing robust in vivo pharmacology strategies and have co-authored patents that reflect my contributions to the field. I am eager to leverage my expertise in a challenging new role that allows me to continue making significant advancements in cancer therapeutics.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Associate Director, Biology Group

Aleksia Therapeutics, Inc.

Nov 2022 - Present (2 years 9 months)

Led internal and external in vitro/in vivo biology activities for the P009 program, identifying several chemical series with best-in-class cellular potency and selectivity. Established in-house Met Stab/Met ID capabilities, generating data to de/prioritize subseries and pinpoint metabolic soft spots.

Medicinal Chemistry DEA Controlled Substances License Due Diligence Kinase Inhibitors

Senior Investigator, Immuno-oncology and ADC Biology Group

H3 Biomedicine, Inc.

Apr 2020 - Present (5 years 4 months)

Drove overall strategy and managed a cross-disciplinary team to develop a BCMA-targeting ADC, delivering the clinical candidate H3B-7503. Secured internal funding for a two-year SRA at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to assess H3B-7503 activity in novel myeloma PDX models.

Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC)BCMA Targeting In Vivo Pharmacology Project Management

Investigator II, Target Biology and Translational Research Group

H3 Biomedicine, Inc.

Oct 2018 - Present (6 years 10 months)

Led a multidisciplinary team for a BCMA-targeting ADC utilizing a novel payload class, overseeing external antibody generation campaigns and internal screening efforts. Generated robust data package for a PSMA-targeting ADC, leading to a go/no-go decision.

Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC)BCMA Targeting PSMA Targeting Antibody Generation Project Management

Investigator I, Target Biology and Translational Research Group

H3 Biomedicine, Inc.

Aug 2016 - Present (9 years)

Led in vivo pharmacology for H3B-1201, a first-in-class, small-molecule NHR inverse agonist, generating key in vitro and in vivo data to reorient chemistry efforts. Discovered drug target silencing in vivo, a pivotal finding that got the program back on track.

In Vivo Pharmacology Small Molecule Programs NHR Inverse Agonist Drug Target Silencing Program Reorientation Chemistry Optimization

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

AstraZeneca PLC, Oncology Bioscience

Nov 2013 - Present (11 years 9 months)

Generated and characterized models of acquired savolitinib resistance in NSCLC and gastric cancer, identifying a novel mechanism of MET inhibitor resistance. Contributed key data to a publication demonstrating savolitinib efficacy in PRCC PDX models.

Oncology Savolitinib Resistance NSCLC Gastric Cancer MET Inhibitor Publications Data Analysis

Independent Scientific Consultant

Chematox Laboratory, Inc.

Jan 2013 - Present (12 years 7 months)

Advised clients on the development of custom real-time PCR SNP detection assays. Performed literature searches and distilled complex scientific information for non-expert scientists.

SNP Detection literature review Technical Communication

Managing Scientist, The Functional Genomics Facility

The University of Colorado, Boulder

Feb 2012 - Present (13 years 6 months)

Managed a core facility serving over 200 researchers across four campuses, producing and shipping bacterial stocks, plasmid DNA, and lentiviral particles. Provided scientific consultations on experimental design, troubleshooting, and genetic screen design.

Experimental Design Genetic Screens

Research Technician III, Mayfield Lab

The Scripps Research Institute

Jan 2002 - Present (23 years 7 months)

Conceived and executed a bioengineering project resulting in a co-first author publication, synthesizing a plant toxin gene and expressing active protein in algae. Established a complex in vitro assay for detecting ribosome inactivating protein activity.

Bioengineering Plant Toxin Algae Expression Ribosome Inactivating Protein Biolistic Transformation

Undergraduate Intern, The Peptide and Nucleic Acids Core Facility

The Scripps Research Institute

Jan 2001 - Present (24 years 7 months)

Performed solid-phase peptide synthesis and fractionated peptides by preparative HPLC. Confirmed peptide identity using analytical HPLC, amino acid analysis, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Peptides Amino Acid Analysis MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometry Quality Control

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Colorado, Boulder

Ph.D., Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

2005 - 2012

Activities and societies: Discovered the first human microRNA locus (MIR34A) under direct transcriptional control of p53. Published a role for the death receptor DR4 in 5-fluorouracil-mediated apoptosis. Developed a novel protocol for highly efficient lentiviral transduction of human suspension cell lines.

Completed a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Dissertation focused on novel molecular mechanisms modulating the cellular response to p53 activation.